EPC Gen 2 forklift RFID reader
January 19th 2006 Intermec has launched what is thought to be the first ever EPCglobal Generation 2 (Gen 2) RFID vehicle-mount reader. Its first packaged forklift-mounted RFID reader system, the IV7 is designed for serial attachment to the Intermec CV60 vehicle mount computer. Both are built to withstand the rigours of harsh, industrial environments and carry IP65 ratings.
According to Intermec,the CV60, acting as the local host for the IV7, provides network management and security features that cannot be achieved with a simple serial reader.
The IV7 can read multiple air interface protocols, even in mixed populations of tags, including EPC UHF Generation 2 (Gen 2) ISO 18000 6-B and EPC Class 1.
Intermec explains the significance of the launch by pointing out the limitations of portal mounted readers: while they are capable of capturing pallet data and some carton data, the tagged items must be brought to the reader. However, enterprises often need the flexibility to read RFID tags in certain and not-so-certain locations which may not be near the location of a fixed reader.
Highly suited to pick and put-away applications, the IV7 not only delivers the flexibility of "read where you need", but also a cost advantage over portal reader systems wherever the number of dock doors is significantly larger than the number of fork trucks.
The CV60 can command the IV7, equipped with a location tag-sensing antenna, to scan for RFID tags when a pallet is picked up. The IV7 captures the location of the pallet pick-up, which doorway it passed through, the path the forklift travelled and where the pallet will be placed. Using the CV60’s wireless capability, WMSs are automatically udated with location status as the truck moves through tag-equipped zones, as well as with shelf location data when the pallet is dropped off or retrieved. More articles from Intermec Technologies UK Ltd: | 
